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Abstract

This NebGuide discusses the protein and carbohydrate requirements for milk production by dairy cows, and feeding guidelines to meet those requirements.

Crude protein makes up 14 to 19 percent, and carbohydrates 65 to 75 percent of the total ration dry matter in common dairy cow diets. As milk production per cow increases above 19,000 to 20,000 pounds per year, understanding how these nutrients are used by the dairy cow for milk production allows the formulation of diets that optimize solids-corrected milk production.